Ft. Custer Trail Separation Becomes Official Nov. 14, 2011

[johnnyg]

I just received this notice from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources:

Event: Open house from Noon-4pm on Monday, November 14

**FINAL**
Fort Custer Recreation Area - Trail Separation Announcement

The anticipated separating of the trail system at Fort Custer Recreation Area (FCRA) has progressed rapidly over the past few months and is nearing it final stages of completion. The MI-DNR, Parks and Recreation Division (PRD), is pleased to announce the official trail separation date. Monday, November 14th, 2011 will be the beginning of separated trail use at Fort Custer Recreation Area and a new era of safer, well defined trail use. An Open House is planned at FCRA from noon until 4pm on the 14th in order to celebrate this accomplishment and provide information and interim trail maps to guests.
This separation effort has increased the trail distance at FCRA from 24 miles of trails to over 30 miles of trails thanks to the tremendous volunteer efforts of the major trail groups, and some much needed development funding from the Parks and Recreation Division. Beginning on November 14th, the trails used by equestrians and mountain bikers will have separate trail heads, and except for the shared use on the Blue Loop around Whitford-Lawler and Jackson Hole Lakes, the two groups will have their own trails.
Beginning the separate trail use by both mountain bikers and equestrians in the fall will give both groups and all visitors some time to become accustomed to the new trail layout, and correct minor issues that each group may identify. The fall separation will also allow the Parks and Recreation Division and all trail participants to make use of the winter months to help spread the word about the separated trails throughout their respective communities. Dog Sledders (Mushers) will benefit by having opportunities to try out the trails with dog teams and provide further input from their perspective prior to the trails getting active again in the spring. Finally, the PRD will have time to GPS the final trail system, prepare and print quantities of official trail maps for distribution beginning in the spring, and make needed trail sign postings.
It has been a long and consuming process to get to this point. We in the PRD thank everyone involved from the public input process, to the volunteers, to the continued group involvement in future planning and use of the Fort Custer Recreation Area. Your involvement, passion and perseverance throughout this trail separation effort will make Fort Custer Recreation Area an even better and pleasant place for all of our outdoor trail enthusiasts.

[Washington Rider]

Woohoo! Thanks to everyone on the ground making this happen!

[dirtjunkie]

Thank you-thank you-thank you to all of those who made this happen. Can't overstate it enough.

I sure hope that it works out and there is some type of finality created with the equestrians.

Love the Fort!!

[irishpitbull]

Cant wait to check this place out! Nice work!

[jonw9]

So there will be an "official" trail seperation, but what does that mean?

I read that horses have already been on the new sections of trails. What happens after it is official? Will we just get a shrug and a "keep an eye out for who did it" or will there actually be repercussions for violators?

[utabintarbo]

"Shoot on sight" for horses. That'll make 'em think twice. Maybe.

[Redstone Liger]

The bit about the dog mushers is a little confusing. Mushers have access to both trail systems I'm assuming. I'm not sure their input would be applicable to either biker or horseperson.

[c0nsumer]

The bit about the dog mushers is a little confusing. Mushers have access to both trail systems I'm assuming. I'm not sure their input would be applicable to either biker or horseperson.

I could see this as a political move to be as inclusive as possible. If they'll be trail users too, why not ask what they think? Best case they'll make some helpful comments.

[i69whitey]

The bit about the dog mushers is a little confusing. Mushers have access to both trail systems I'm assuming. I'm not sure their input would be applicable to either biker or horseperson.

I could see this as a political move to be as inclusive as possible. If they'll be trail users too, why not ask what they think? Best case they'll make some helpful comments.

plus their season is real short like the skiers so should have minimal impact for us,...

...well except the fat tire crowd

thanks for all who worked on this, both in the woods and in the boardrooms
now hopefully the horses will learn to keep the owners reined in

[dirt]

"Shoot on sight" for horses. That'll make 'em think twice. Maybe.

As has been stated before, these sorts of statements, even in jest, do NOTHING to help further our cause. This is a publicly open forum, and representatives from the equestrians have visited our forums in the past, and such comments were sited as 'threats' against equestrians.

Please refrain from making any comments, even in jest, that could be mis-understood as threats against equestrians or their horses.

[c0nsumer]

"Shoot on sight" for horses. That'll make 'em think twice. Maybe.

As has been stated before, these sorts of statements, even in jest, do NOTHING to help further our cause. This is a publicly open forum, and representatives from the equestrians have visited our forums in the past, and such comments were sited as 'threats' against equestrians.

Please refrain from making any comments, even in jest, that could be mis-understood as threats against equestrians or their horses.

Hear hear.

I also think that most people here would agree that equestrians have just as much right to be out in the woods as we do and that the problem comes from shared trails. Horse and bike traffic are essentially incompatible trail uses due to the differing impact on the surface. Therefore, separate trails (such as what was accomplished here at Ft. Custer and in the past at Pontiac Lake) is an ideal and a huge win for all parties involved.

[Papizuto]

Pretty nice on the new red trail. But, why did they put the road blocks up so we can't ride cardiac climb, CPR, the freeway and a couple other sections any more. (they now reroute us right before the 90 degree turn, very frustrating) Those were some of the best parts of the trail (especially taking them backwards and going down hill.) I understand the separation. But why block off so much? Feels like half the fun has been taken away from one of the best trails in the kzoo area. I can see you guys did a ton of work out there and the trail runs nice, the few little pump sections will be fun! Just very annoying that we've been so restricted from the routes we are used to. What is the reason for the excessive road blocks? Is that horse only territory now? If not those downed trees blocking the old path need to go!! Was anything re routed on green? It wold be great if we could have the old and the new! (wishful thinking I'm sure)

[Papizuto]

i just re read that first post about the maps... i tracked my run on the new red today if you guys would like the gps info let me know!

[Green Giant]

How is the yellow affected?

I don't ride it much, except when I bring my kids out there. I did ride the new red and green - for me they are great. But, I haven't done the yellow yet, it was great for my 6 and 8 year old as I introduce them to mtb.

Again, I have no idea. Just asking the question.

[treesmasher]

The old yellow trail was my favorite part of the Fort. I was really *beep* at first but I think the new trail is a hoot! They did a great job on the trails and I`m greatful to all that made it. For the record I love seeing the horses and running over the horse *beep* in the trail.